Top five improvements wheelchair-users want to see in devices

A large portion of wheelchair-users are dissatisfied with the mobility devices they are using and have suggested improvements that could be made to equipment.

A new report which surveyed wheelchair-users internationally revealed the top five areas of improvement respondents put forward in the hope of driving change in the sector.

The top five suggestions were devices that allowed wheelchair-users to move around faster (41%); perform regular day to day tasks more easily (37%); feel more relaxed and comfortable with a device that feels more natural and like an extension of themselves (37%); feel more confident and able to socialise and meet with friends (34%); and feel a sense of spontaneity, freedom and independence (32%).

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The data hopes to raise awareness of a perceived need for investment and innovation in assistive technology.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation in partnership with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre commissioned the research in order to better understand the day-to-day experiences of wheelchair users as part of the Mobility Unlimited Challenge.

A £3m global challenge was launched in November by Toyota with the aim of changing the lives of people with lower-limb paralysis.

The Mobility Unlimited Challenge is seeking teams around the world to create game-changing technology that will help radically improve the mobility and independence of people with paralysis.

One Comment;

It is neccesary to evaluate the Wheelchair safety levels too. More power leads to more crashing possibilities and more risk to damage toes. wrist, knees, ankles and other ones. Greetings from Jorge a peruvian wheelchair user.